The Middle
by Richa Jha and illustrated by Eva Sánchez Gómez
“The Middle” by Richa Jha and illustrated by Eva Sánchez Gómez. Published by Pickle Yolk Books. A bookalicious story about Azma, a voracious reader who adored books and what books did to her.
Azma devoured books. Everything from the words to the pauses to the omissions were grasped by her. Her life seemed to revolve around books. Her days were filled with books. They made her mind soar and heart dance. Isn’t that the power of books over all those who love them ?! Well all that was fine except for the fact that she came up with quite a few unanswered questions. She had many times thought about why the beginning was like that or how the middle could be like that or what if the ending had been different. But who would be able to answer them? Not the books of course who fell silent when approached. Well, most of us might have experienced this at some point or other.
For Azma, however, the questions made her feel quite restless particularly at nights. She could not sleep peacefully with all these thoughts tormenting her along with the fearsome creatures of the night. Her world just grew troublesome at nights and she dreaded them. Will she find a respite after all? Will she find her answers? Will the nights get better for her? What is in store for her? Read the mystery filled book to know what happened to Azma.
My eight year old and I enjoyed reading this book. For us, the book re-emphasised the power of books over those who love them. The bonds that they create with us are magical and irreplaceable. The urge that they create in us to express our thoughts in some creative manner (could be a discussion or penning it down or even pondering over) has been portrayed so beautifully and well. And the illustrations are so enchanting with the bare minimum use of colours! The book has won a couple of awards such as the White Raven Award and CBAM award for best children’s illustrated book of the year in 2021. It has also been runner up and part of short lists for other awards at both national and international levels.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 6 and above.
Reasons to Read
For a beautiful story about the power of books and reading.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Pickle Yolk Books here.
An independent bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.